In Israel you don’t have to purchase a bus ticket before getting on the bus (update: this will change in Jerusalem beginning June 2018 and in Tel Aviv beginning December 2018. You will need to get a Rav-Kav and purchase a ticket before getting on the bus). You usually buy your ticket from the driver the moment you get aboard. But there is an exception and it’s the Egged bus driving to and from Eilat. That bus has reserved seats in it, so if you won’t purchase a ticket before getting on the bus (you can do so starting from 2 weeks prior to your travel date), you might arrive and find out that there’s no empty seat for you. Then the driver might let you stand the whole way to your destination or refuse to get you on, and in that case you will have to wait for the next bus to come.

To purchase your ticket beforehand, you have three options:

1- Go to the bus station at least a day (and up to a week) before your ride and order a ticket from the ticket booth. You can also come on the same and try your luck – there might be an empty seat, but might not be.

2- Dial +972-3-6948888 and reserve your place through costumer service.

In the two last cases you will not get your ticket immediately. You will get a reservation number, which you will use later in the self service ticket machine, situated in every central station in Israel.

Here is the full guide to buying a bus ticket from/ to Eilat:

In Israel, you usually pay for your bus ticket only when getting on the bus. But there’s an exception – the Egged bus leading to or from Eilat, which has reserved seats. You can pay for the ride to or from Eilat when getting on the bus, but then you’re risking the option of standing all the way or worse, having to wait for the next bus to come because there’s no room for you on the first one.

5- A new window will pop up, directing you to the reservations system of Egged in Hebrew.

Look at the picture below to understand what you should do:

6- After filling in all the data and clicking “המשך”, you will be directed to the timetable of your requested bus route. Choose the time that best suits you and click on “המשך” to get to the next step in your reservation.

7- Congrats! You’ve made it to the final step – payment. Fill in all the details. choose the method of payment and click “אישור הזמנה” to complete your reservation. In the picture below you can find out how to fill in everything:

Important note: When filling in your passport number, do not type an alphanumeric ID. The section only works with numbers, so type in your ID with numbers only (no letters).

8- After completing the reservation, you will get a reservation number, which you will use afterwards, so keep it!

If you’re planning on getting on the bus from one of the main stations, you will find in the station a self-service ticket machine, called “Eilatomat”.

One type of Eilatomat. Here you need to click on the button to your right (red circle)The second screen. Press the left button

You will need to get your ticket from this machine by putting in your passport number (ID number) (מספר דרכון / מספר ת.ז. / מספר תעודת זהות) and reservation number (מספר הזמנה). The machine operates in English as well. You can get your ticket up to two hours before your departure time. I advise you to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure. If you’re getting on the bus at a stop that has no station, show the bus driver your reservation number (write the number which appears on the screen after you complete payment). The driver should already have your name in his or her list.

Note – if you also buy a return ticket online, you will get a 20% discount on the ticket.

Still having problems with purchasing your ticket? I’ll be happy to help you. Send a message to my Facebook Page: Backpack Israel. I can also book the ticket for you at a service charge of 10 ILS.

Enjoy your ride!

Found my post useful? It would be great to get a like, a comment or a share 🙂

If you need help with planning your trip to Israel, have a look in the app I made with Travelkosh – Travel Israel on Google Play and iTunes

Buy the ticket in Jerusalem from the Central Bus Station ticket stalls. Then, when coming back from Ein Bokek to Jerusalem, you can buy from the driver (you can book the back ticket from the central station). Just keep in mind that you might not have room on the bus..

I have been in Israel in March, it was fantastic experience. So, I would like to go again in Sept – Oct. 2019.
Can I travelling from Jerusalem to Dead Sea and back to Jerusalem during Rosh Hashanah with Egged Bus Company october 1. 2019 on Tuesday?

Hi there! 🙂 Unfortunately during Rosh Hashana there is no public transportation, so you cannot travel with Egged to the Dead Sea and back. You can rent a car or join one of the tours that goes to the Dead Sea

Hi, we would like to travel from Eilat to Tel Aviv on saturday. Everywhere is noticed that due to Sabbath no bus go anywhere, but on reservation system of egged there is possibility to buy a ticket for that day. Is it right? Thank you Pavel.